Hurricane Milton has officially made landfall as a Category 3 storm near Siesta Key, Florida, with sustained winds of 120 mph. This powerful hurricane is slamming into Florida’s west coast and poses a severe threat as it moves eastward.
Catastrophic Impact and Tornado Reports
In an alarming update from St. Lucie County Sheriff Keith Pearson, it has been confirmed that 17 tornadoes touched down, resulting in multiple fatalities.
- Current Situation: “We can confirm 17 tornadoes hit St. Lucie County, Florida, with multiple fatalities, a rescue mission ongoing, and hundreds of homes destroyed,” Pearson stated.
This catastrophic impact comes just weeks after Hurricane Helene wreaked havoc in Florida before moving on to North Carolina. Residents have been diligently preparing, boarding up windows and evacuating homes ahead of Milton’s landfall.
Forecast and Expectations
The National Hurricane Center has warned that Milton may become one of the most destructive hurricanes on record for west-central Florida.
- Path of the Storm: Milton is expected to pass over central Florida and into the Atlantic late Wednesday night into Thursday morning.
As of 11 p.m. Wednesday, around 1.8 million customers were without power, with 300,000 losing electricity within just one hour.
Severe Storm Surge Threats
One of the most alarming aspects of Hurricane Milton is the predicted storm surge, which could reach 10 to 15 feet along the central western coast.
- Wind Gusts: Hurricane-force wind gusts over 100 mph are expected in the next 36 hours, driving storm surge and making conditions extremely dangerous.
Bryan Norcross, FOX Weather Hurricane Specialist, noted that, while many Floridians have experienced hurricanes before, the intensity of Milton could surpass previous storms, recalling historic hurricanes that flooded areas like Pinellas County and Tampa.
Government Response and Preparations
In response to the threat, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has activated thousands of National Guard members for search and rescue operations.
- Federal Aid: President Biden declared Florida a disaster area ahead of Milton’s landfall, ensuring that FEMA is prepared for rapid response.
The National Hurricane Center reported that the northern eyewall of Hurricane Milton has started to impact the Florida Gulf Coast. Residents are urged to shelter in place as extremely dangerous hurricane-force winds spread across the region.
Challenges for Rescue Operations
Public Safety Information Manager James Lucas highlighted the dangerous conditions that will hinder rescue operations during the storm.
- Rescue Restrictions: “Weather conditions will deteriorate so rapidly that rescue workers cannot get in,” Lucas told Fox News. He emphasized that the safety of first responders and citizens is the top priority.
Lucas reiterated the urgency for evacuations in affected areas, warning that emergency services would not be able to respond during the storm.
Conclusion
Hurricane Milton poses a severe risk to Florida as it makes landfall. With its destructive winds, catastrophic storm surge, and heavy rainfall, the time to act is now. Stay safe and follow local guidance as we navigate this perilous storm.
